Butch Ranger

know them, or at least a radical shift. It could
also see the end of Falcon ute production
in Australia, which in turn could see the
Ranger – which is currently built in Thailand
– rolling down the assembly line at Ford’s
Broadmeadows plant in Victoria.
Being built off a workhorse (rather than
passenger car) platform virtually guarantees the
Ranger will never be in the same performance
league as the Falcon ute.
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Mechanical specifications for the nextgeneration
truck are still to be divulged, but
the concept shown here, known as the Ranger
Max, at least features a strong and sporting new
design with a number of elements expected to
make it onto the production version.
Note in particular the big three-bar chrome
grille, bonnet ‘power dome’, deep-dish 18inch
alloy wheels, a unique crossbar/sports
bar (sculpted with air scoops and integrated
grabhandles) that runs across the back of the
cab, and a customised remote-control hard
tonneau that covers the tub.
Chief designer Paul Gibson, who works
with Ford’s Australian-based Asia Pacific and
Africa development team, confirmed that the
Ranger Max carried design cues that could be
seen in the forthcoming all-new model.
“The Ranger Max is not just about creating
show excitement,” said Mr Gibson. “We have
Away in a Ranger … with a tray for a bed.
a great opportunity to test design themes that
may make their way into production.
“Ranger Max says exciting things about the
possibilities for truck fans in Ranger’s future.
“When you look at the front design, the
three-bar grille, the overt nostrils and open
mouth, you’re looking straight into the face of
Ranger’s evolution. There are design elements
we are developing and Ranger Max is one
possibility.
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